President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise projects that will improve the quality of life of residents and strengthen security, rather than focusing on flyovers where they are not needed.
Tinubu, while speaking on the country’s security challenges, said insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic was adding pressure to Nigeria’s situation.
He stressed the need to enhance the capacity of forest guards and establish state police, while urging governors to make better use of the increased funds being allocated to states.
“You know, you see, the problem of insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic is adding more fuel to our challenges. In fact, that is why we must enhance the capacity of the forest guards, as well as create state police.”
The President added, “You need to help us communicate to these governors. Today, the economy of operation is high. And they should… they should do more, instead of flyovers where there’s no traffic, build roads and arteries, network to really enhance the quality of life and accessibility of the security agencies to penetrate those areas.”
Tinubu also noted that states were receiving significantly more funds than in the past, saying, “Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay and gratuity.”
He acknowledged the scale of the challenges facing his administration, saying: “The immediate challenge is monumental. It’s not an easy job. But to me, I asked for the job and I got it. You gave me the support, and I got to do it. I accept the assets and liability of my predecessor. So, that’s the challenge of today.”
